Dual 150w MH 58 gallon

[Stephen73ta]

Tanks dimensions are 36"x18"x19".

I just recently bought some dual 150w fixtures with a 300w ballast. the bulbs are BLV 10,000k.

My question is do I have to have a chiller? and what are my options as far as live stock? I didn't anticipate on buying these lights but I got them for a really really good deal... How far should I hang them above my tank? should i install fans to lower temperatures?

If there is no way around having the chiller i will probably sell the lights and get something else.

any help or advice would be great!

Thanks!

 

[noboddi]

I run 2 150w MH on a 40 breeder, 36x18x16, and don't have any problems with heat. I also have a 40 breeder as a sump, so plenty of surface area to dissipate heat. The room is about 72 degrees. When I have the lights on, the temperature stays at 77.6 degrees. If it got too warm, I would try blowing a fan across the sump to increase evaporation before I worried about a chiller.

HTH

 

[GatorWPB]

Ive got 2x150w on my 65g which 36"x18"x24". I have a fan over my sump that is controlled by my RK2 and turns on if the heat gets too high.
You may not need the fan at all depending on how cool you keep the room with A/C.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Really depends on how cool you keep your place. I have 2*250 + 2*96 PC over my 58 -- the fixture sits right on top of the tank. Two clip on fans over my sump keeps my temps (( 78-83 )) in check.

 

[Stephen73ta]

ok, i keep my fish room anywhere from 74-78 degrees... i have two 4" computer fans that i think i'll go ahead and build into my stand. Will this create enough airflow to control the temp?

Does it make a huge difference in temperature if i put my lights directly on the tank or if i keep them about 6 inches off the water?

 

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14969948#post14969948 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Stephen73ta
ok, i keep my fish room anywhere from 74-78 degrees... i have two 4" computer fans that i think i'll go ahead and build into my stand. Will this create enough airflow to control the temp?

Does it make a huge difference in temperature if i put my lights directly on the tank or if i keep them about 6 inches off the water?

Most of my temp control is because of evaporated cooling, so the clip on fans are blowing at/towards the water in my sump.

I have a full fixture, so the fans in there just keep the unit itself cooler.

There will be a temp difference b/t the fixture sitting on the tank, as opposed to being 6" off the tank. How much of a difference I can't tell you -- too many variables. Heck for my 58, I can get away with the light sitting on the tank, but for my 75 I get. The 75 is upstairs in a loft area, that doesn't have any A/C vents, so that room stays warmer.

 

[stanlalee]

I have 150w x2 over my 30g and never even reach 80deg so you definately should NOT need a chiller and you really dont have any coral restrictions being mindful or coral placement. dont expect the same growth as twin 250w but you should have no problems maintaining colors and moderate growth.